At a Glance
- Tasks: Support adults with learning disabilities to live independently and achieve their goals.
- Company: Care Dorset, a people-focused local authority trading company.
- Benefits: Generous annual leave, enhanced maternity pay, and excellent training opportunities.
- Other info: Flexible hours with a supportive team and career progression.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while gaining valuable skills.
- Qualifications: No experience needed, just a caring attitude and willingness to learn.
The predicted salary is between 18900 - 23100 £ per year.
About The Role
The Role
As a Support Worker, you will support adults with a learning disability and/or autism to live independently in their own homes. The service focuses on enabling individuals to develop the skills, confidence and resilience needed to live as independently as possible, while promoting their dignity, choice, safety and wellbeing. The role is centred around helping people to live the life they choose. You will support individuals to develop independence, make informed choices, remain safe, and enjoy fulfilling lives as active members of their local community. Working as part of a small, caring and dedicated Supported Living team, you will receive ongoing support from an experienced management team. We will provide a comprehensive induction, training and mentoring to ensure you have the skills and confidence to succeed in your role. Being a Support Worker is incredibly rewarding. At the end of each day, you will leave knowing that you have made a genuine difference to someone's life by supporting them to achieve their goals and maintain their independence.
Key Responsibilities
- Support Workers provide person-centred support across all aspects of daily living, enabling individuals to achieve their goals, develop independence and maintain their wellbeing.
- Supporting individuals to develop practical life skills, such as meal planning, shopping and cooking.
- Assisting individuals to understand and manage their finances, including budgeting and money management.
- Providing encouragement, guidance and emotional support to help individuals overcome challenges and build confidence.
- Promoting independence while respecting each person's dignity, choices, wishes and preferences.
- Supporting individuals to access education, volunteering, employment and leisure opportunities.
Day-to-Day Duties
- Assisting individuals with personal care, including washing, dressing and maintaining personal hygiene, where required.
- Providing medication support in accordance with individual support plans, risk assessments and organisational procedures.
- Supporting people to manage their finances and household budgets where appropriate.
- Enabling individuals to access their local community, social activities, services and opportunities.
- Supporting individuals to attend healthcare appointments and access medical support when required.
- Assisting with shopping, meal planning and food preparation to promote healthy lifestyles and wellbeing.
- Contributing to the development, implementation and review of person-centred support plans.
- Identifying, recording and reporting safeguarding concerns, risks or changes in an individual's needs.
- Maintaining accurate records and ensuring support is delivered in line with agreed care and support plans.
- Working collaboratively with families, colleagues and partner agencies to achieve positive outcomes.
This role requires a positive, flexible and compassionate approach, together with a commitment to empowering people to live fulfilling and independent lives. Please note that this role involves a significant amount of lone working. You must be comfortable working independently whilst maintaining regular communication with colleagues and managers.
Female Applicants Only
Due to the nature of the role, which includes providing personal care and support to a female individual we support, this vacancy is open to female applicants only. This is a Genuine Occupational Requirement under Schedule 9, Part 1 of the Equality Act 2010 and is necessary to meet the assessed care and support needs of the individual.
About You
You do not need previous experience to become a Support Worker. What is most important is your values, attitude and passion for helping others to live independent and fulfilling lives. We are looking for people who are:
- Caring, patient and compassionate.
- Reliable and trustworthy.
- Positive and enthusiastic.
- Willing to learn and develop new skills.
- Committed to promoting choice, independence and dignity.
In return, you will benefit from a welcoming and inclusive workplace, comprehensive training, ongoing development opportunities and genuine career progression.
Additional Information
- Interviews will be held on Tuesday 24 November 2026.
- Successful candidates will be required to work a rota that includes early and late shifts and alternate weekends.
- Applications from candidates living within a reasonable commuting distance will be considered.
- Please note that we are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this position. Applicants must have the legal right to work in the UK without requiring employer sponsorship now or in the future.
- Generous Annual leave entitlement - starting at 27 days, rising to 31 after 5 years (exc. Bank holidays).
- Enhanced Maternity Pay.
- Occupational Sick pay entitlement from day one.
- Funded Blue Light discount package (superb discounts on travel, leisure, entertainment and more).
- Access to Employee Assistance Programme.
- Excellent training & development opportunities supporting career progression.
- Access to Litmos online learning platform – our one stop shop for learning & development.
- Refer a Friend Bonus - up to £300 per person you refer (Uncapped and paid on successful appointment).
- Celebrated success through annual awards ceremony.
About Us
Care Dorset launched in October 2022 as a new provider supporting adults across a range of support models and in different settings including reablement, day services, supported living, and residential care. We are a local authority trading company, wholly owned by Dorset Council, with strong ambitions to innovate and transform our existing services to deliver better outcomes for people as well as growing commercially. We are people focused. We are genuine. We have integrity. We will develop. We are a team. These values define our personality. They are our statement about what we stand for and what we believe in, and they are the basis behind the decisions we make every single day. They are the Care Dorset way.
Are you looking to make a difference to people's lives and want to work in an environment where no two days are the same? If you do, then we have a fun and exciting opportunity for you to work within your local community supporting people to live independently. Whether you come from a Retail, hospitality, or a service industry background, or you are looking to find your career with your first job, choosing a role as a support worker will be the most satisfying decision you will make.
Support Worker - Supported Living (Orchard Court) employer: Care Dorset Ltd
Care Dorset Ltd is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work environment where compassion and dedication are valued. Located in Gillingham, employees benefit from flexible shift patterns, comprehensive training, and opportunities for personal growth, all while making a meaningful impact in the lives of residents. With competitive pay and a commitment to employee well-being, Care Dorset Ltd stands out as a rewarding place to work for those passionate about care.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Support Worker - Supported Living (Orchard Court)
✨Get Involved in Community Events
Dive headfirst into community events and social work fairs in your area. These are great opportunities to connect with potential employers like Care Dorset Ltd, grab some insider info, and showcase your passion for social work. Plus, meeting people face-to-face can really make you stand out!
✨Join Social Work Networks
Tap into social work networks and online communities, like local charities and organisations. Engaging in discussions or volunteering can help you build a strong reputation and could lead to part-time roles just like the one at Care Dorset Ltd. The connections you make could be the key to landing your next opportunity!
✨Make Your Passion Shine
When approaching part-time roles, be sure to highlight your passion for social issues in conversations and informal chats. Bring your experiences to life through storytelling – this can resonate well with organisations looking for someone who genuinely cares about making a difference!
✨Keep an Eye on Local Job Boards
Part-time roles in social work might not always be advertised in the usual places. Keep checking local job boards or community centres for openings, and don't hesitate to apply directly through Care Dorset Ltd's website – we love seeing proactive candidates who take the initiative!
We think you need these skills to ace Support Worker - Supported Living (Orchard Court)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let your passion for social work shine through. Talk about why you're drawn to this field and how you've been involved in community service or support roles. We want to see your commitment and the heart you bring to the table!
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to spotlight any hands-on experience you have! Whether it's internships, volunteering, or relevant coursework, detail how your past experiences relate to the role at Care Dorset Ltd. We love seeing candidates who have practical skills and a real understanding of social issues.
Certificates and Training Matter:If you've got any relevant certifications or training specific to social work (like safeguarding training or counselling qualifications), don’t forget to include these in your CV! These details can set you apart and show us you’re serious about your professional development.
Be Flexible with Your Availability:Since this is a part-time role, explain your availability clearly in your application. Let us know when you can start and how many hours you’re looking to work. Being upfront about your schedule will help us see how you fit into the team at Care Dorset Ltd.
How to prepare for a job interview at Care Dorset Ltd
✨Show Your Passion for Helping Others
In social work, it's all about your commitment to making a difference. Be ready to share specific experiences that highlight your passion for helping others, whether that's through volunteering, placements, or personal stories. We want to see that genuine drive during your chat with Care Dorset Ltd.
✨Know Your Social Work Theories
You might be quizzed on social work theories or models that inform your practice, like the person-in-environment approach. Brush up on these concepts and be prepared to discuss how you'd apply them in a practical setting. This could be a game changer in your interview for a Support Worker - Supported Living (Orchard Court) at Care Dorset Ltd.
✨Flexibility and Availability are Key
As you're going for a part-time role, highlight your flexibility and how it would fit with the organisation's needs. Have examples ready that demonstrate your availability for various shifts or urgent situations—that's just gold for a social work role.
✨Prepare for a Situation-Based Discussion
Expect scenario-based questions where you'll need to demonstrate how you'd handle specific situations with clients or stakeholders. Think of a couple of real-life scenarios you've encountered and articulate your thought process. This will show Care Dorset Ltd that you're ready to hit the ground running in the Support Worker - Supported Living (Orchard Court) role.
